Leila Mae Larkin Honea Peden

Leila Mae Larkin Honea Peden, 97, (formerly of Falls City) passed away March 2, 2018 from natural causes in Kingman, AZ. Leila was born in Auburn, Jan. 9, 1921 to Walter and Cora (Spradling) Larkin. Leila had moved to Kingman, in 2014 to be near her only surviving child, Sharon.

The eldest of seven, Leila was raised and lived most of her life in Falls City, where she attended FC public schools and was a member of the First Christian Church. On Sept. 27, 1937 Leila married John Honea in Hiawatha, KS. To that union, five children were born. Following 41 years of marriage, John preceded Leila in death in 1978. Leila married Stanley Peden, July 5, 1980, they shared 22 together before Stan’s passing in 2002. Joining in 1949, Leila was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a permanent member of Unit 102 at Falls City. Once her children were in school Leila began working at JC Penney in 1952, remaining on staff through retirement in 1981. An avid knitter, crocheter and painter, Leila was blessed with many talents that she shared with her friends and family.

Leila is survived by a large, loving family including her sisters; Irene Heineman and Evelyn Davidson, brothers, Bill (Carol) and Bob (Karen) Larkin, her daughter Sharon Horn and son in law Norman, daughters in law, Claudia Honea and Jenny Honea, her stepchildren Kip Peden and Jan (John) Pape, sisters in law Kaye and Janis Larkin, 13 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Leila was preceded in death by her brothers Wayne and Don Larkin, her daughters; Leah Rae Honea, Myrna Grace Parrish, her son in law Albert, and sons John and Walter “Bud” Honea as well as two brothers in law; Alvin Davidson and Jean Heineman, three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, March 29, 2 p.m. at Dorr and Clark in Falls City. Respecting her wishes, Leila will be cremated and interred at Steele Cemetery in Falls City alongside family. Memorial contributions can be made to the Falls City Public Library, 1400 Stone Street, Falls City, NE 68355 or the John Philip Falter Museum, PO Box 234, Falls City, NE 68355.

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